Previous micropuncture studies ( 1,2) have demonstrated that potassium is extensively reabsorbed in the proximal tubule under conditions in which the net excretion of potassium in th-e urine varies, supporting the hypothesis that major adjustments in the rate of potassium excretion occur in distal parts of the nephron (3). To further evaluate the reabsorptive process in the dog nephron, fractional reabsorption of potassium from the proximal tubule was studied by micropuncture techniques during reductions in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) produced by renal arterial constriction, during proximal tubular inhibition of sodium reabsorption produced by isotonic saline infusion (4, 5), and during stimulation of potassium secretion by potassium loading and acetazolamide administration.
MethodsMale and female mongrel dogs weighing between 9 and 18 kg were used as experimental animals. The dogs were anesthetized by the rapid injection of 200 mg of thiopental sodium administered intravenously as a 2.5% solution in distilled water; small additional doses were administered from time to time to maintain the desired level of anesthesia. Indwelling catheters were inserted into the ureters through a suprapubic midline incision. Polyethylene catheters were also inserted into the foreleg veins and the femoral vein or artery for the administration of fluids and collection of blood. The left kidney (experimental) was exposed through a flank incision and prepared for micropuncture as previously reported (6). Methods of tubular fluid collection and identification were also similar to those previously reported (6).In all experiments, 15-minute urine collection periods for the determination of inulin and potassium clearances * Submitted for publication December 9, 1965; accepted May 18, 1966. Supported by grant AM-07352-03 from the National were obtained while tubular fluid samples were being collected. After appropriate priming and sustaining infusions of inulin had been given, 30 minutes was allowed to elapse before collections were begun to insure stable concentrations of inulin in plasma. Venous or arterial blood was drawn at the midpoint of each period, and urine was collected through the ureteral catheters.Four groups of dogs were studied: 1) normal hydropenia, 2) hydropenia with renal arterial constriction, 3) potassium loaded with acetazolamide administration, and 4) normal dogs undergoing isotonic saline diuresis. In the hydropenic group with renal arterial constriction, an adjustable rubber clamp was placed around the renal artery of the experimental kidney before its bifurcation. The renal artery was gradually constricted until there was an observable decrease in kidney tissue turgor, and urine flow was reduced by at least 50% as compared with the control kidney. Only those tubular fluid samples were used that were collected during clearance periods in which the GFR of the experimental kidney was 75%o or less of the control kidney.Potassium-loaded animals were fed a diet containing 20 g of KCI daily for 1 week before the ...